Bloating and gas in are often
associated with poor digestion due to a lack of digestive enzymes that
facilitate the breakdown of the foods you eat. Under ordinary circumstances, the
pancreas supplies enzymes and other digestive juices to process what we eat;
however, some people's body's do not produce enough of one or more of the proper
enzymes needed for good health. You can augment your body's supply by eating
certain foods or taking enzyme supplements. Speak with your health practitioner
before making drastic changes to your diet.

Herbal Enzymes

Several cooking herbs and spices produce an ezymatic affect on the food you eat.
Fennel, ginger, catnip, peppermint, basil and spearmint provide varying degrees
of digestive enzymes that help break down food in the stomach and help prevent
fermentation, which produces gas and eventually, bloating. These herbs should be
consumed raw; however, if that is not possible, lightly cooking them should
retain many of their properties. Incorporating some of these herbs into an
herbal tea is another healthful way to consume them and take advantage of their
enzymatic qualities. Take the tea with meals for greatest benefits. Do not
sweeten herbal tea if you are using it as an enzyme supplement. The addition of
any type of sugar may contribute to fermentation in your stomach depending on
the foods you eat.

Plant-based Enzymes

Two fruits in particular may be helpful in the digestion of proteins. Both
bromelain and papain are found in enzyme supplements and can be added to your
diet by eating fresh pineapples and papayas respectively. These potent enzymes
break down all proteins, making them easier to digest. The faster foods are
digested and passed through your system, the less likelihood exists for you to
develop gas. The enzymes are most active when you eat the fruit raw or drink
freshly-made juices. Do not consume either fruit from a can or bottle, as
enzymes do not survive during heating from the manufacturing process.
Alternatively, try eating the fruit dried, as long as the drying process is
natural and not heated. If you can't get enough enzymes from the fruits
themselves, supplements are available in health food stores. Both papain and
bromelain are acceptable sources for vegetarians. Bromelain may thin the blood,
so speak with your health practitioner if you take blood thinners before taking
it in supplement form.

Organic, Raw Honey

Adding honey to your diet is one of the best ways to consume enzymes that will
help break down starches, carbohydrates and other sugars. However, not all honey
will provide the enzymes needed for this process. You must eat raw, organic
honey that contains all of its components for the fullest benefit. These
components include royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen. You may not be able to
find this kind of honey easily; however, a thorough search of the internet or
calling your local health food store should yield results. Add a spoonful or two
of honey to your meals when you'll be eating large amounts of carbohydrates. If
you use honey to help break down sugars and starches, it is best not to eat
protein at the same meal due to the possibility of creating unwanted gas and
bloating. If you can't avoid eating proteins, make sure to add bromelain or
papain to help with their breakdown.

Raw Milk

Raw, organic, unpasturized milk provides copious amounts of the enzyme lipase,
which the body uses to digest fats. Both cow's and goat's milk are excellent
sources of these enzymes. In addition, butter made from raw cow's milk provides
the same enzymes. The enzymes found in raw milk also help to prevent lactose
intolerance, a condition resulting from the absence of lactase enzyme in
pasturized milk. If you are unable to find raw milk butter, sweet butter with
cultures will also help in the breakdown of fats, preventing excess gas
formation in the gut. If you choose to consume raw milk products, be sure to buy
them from a recognized, approved dairy or health food store with the highest
standards for the safest products.